McCormick XTX215 wins Tractor of the Year 2006 award
14/11/05

McCormick XTX

• Award presented during the EIMA show, Bologna, Italy, Saturday 12th Nov.
  
  
• Judged by panel of machinery specialists from 17 countries across Europe.
  
  
• XtraSpeed transmission and practical use of modern technology praised.

Doncaster-based tractor manufacturer McCormick has won recognition for the performance and features of its new XTX model by winning the ‘Tractor of the Year 2006’ award.

Presented by a judging panel of farm machinery specialists from 17 countries across Europe, the ‘Tractor of the Year’ award is recognised within the agricultural engineering industry as one of the most prestigious and closely contested of all the accolades that a tractor design can win. It is made following an assessment of design features and benefits and practical driving appraisals.

The McCormick XTX215, representing a range of three models from 173hp to 202hp, beat other finalists from Claas, Deutz-Fahr and Massey Ferguson. They were shortlisted from among eligible tractors that went on sale for the first time this year.

“I can’t describe how delighted we are to win this award,” said Simeone Morra, McCormick sales director, following the results announcement and presentation at the EIMA agricultural show in Italy at the weekend (Saturday, 12th November). “The XTX tractor represents the extraordinary capabilities of our designers and engineers and a big investment in product development. It underscores the ability of our young company to engineer and build a world-class product that operators should be proud to drive.”

The McCormick XTX tractor has some impressive technology to help drivers get the most out of their machine, not least a unique transmission that puts eight powershift speeds at their fingertips – more than on any other tractor in its class.

“XtraSpeed has eight powershift ratios in each of four ranges, so the XTX has a total of 32 forward and 24 speeds in reverse with unrivalled speed control and versatility within each range,” says Paul Wade, product specialist. “Six powershifts is the most other tractors of this size can offer and all the others make do with just three or four. It means the XTX driver is more likely to be able to work at the optimum speed for the job he’s doing and the implement he’s using. The logical outcome is a high work rate and efficient use of fuel.”

Another feature that boosts the XTX tractor’s productivity is the additional power that becomes available for pto-driven implements. This system uses an arrangement of torque and other sensors, a microprocessor control unit and sophisticated electronic fuel injection to detect when the pto is working hard and refuel the six-cylinder engine to deliver more power.

“Farmers who buy the XTX215 as a 202hp tractor actually get up to 228hp for pto work,” points out Simeone Morra. “Additional power for livelier performance during road transport is also available on the smaller models in the range, the XTX185 and the new 156hp XTX165 unveiled at the Agritechnica show.”

On the road, McCormick XTX drivers who have the optional electronic control system for the XtraSpeed transmission also have the advantage of automatic up- and down-shifts between the eight ratios in the top range.

“This system even responds to the way the tractor is driven,” Paul Wade reveals. “Press the accelerator to the floor and up-shifts will be delayed to make the most of the engine’s power and torque for fast acceleration. But use partial accelerator settings and the system will recognise that the driver wants a quieter, more economical drive by changing up at lower revs.”

It is this practical application of modern technology that so impressed the judges of the ‘Tractor of the Year 2006’ award.

“This award was a highlight of the show but not the only recognition for the Argo Group, of which McCormick is a part,” adds Simeone Morra. “Argo received Innovation Awards for the new Tele Tractor Handler and new cab suspension designs – a great credit to the 200-plus engineers within the group and confirmation that we continue to focus on developments that fulfil expectations among our customers across the world.”

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